Two iconic Glacier hikes: Firebrand and Apgar Lookout

Crimson vegetation fringed our Apgar Lookout trail

Lake McDonald below Apgar Lookout

Firebrand Pass behind us

We had a color show like none other I've seen on our Firebrand hike

The aspen were in full glory on the Firebrand hike

 Such an extended period of un-windy, warm and glorious Fall weather!

We squeezed in two more Glacier hikes this week:  one to Firebrand Pass on the southeast side of the park, and Apgar Lookout on the southwest.

Lots of driving, but enjoyable driving because the Fall has been so beautiful.

On the east side the cottonwoods and aspen are in full glory.  On the west side the larch colors are just beginning to emerge. The aspen are mostly gone there, but the cottonwoods are golden.

The reds, orange and yellows on both Firebrand and Apgar just knocked our eyes out.

There was extremely light traffic on the 10-mile Firebrand hike --- only seven other people.

Apgar Lookout, above Lake McDonald, was more heavily traveled, but not unreasonable.  We were early hikers, so we saw only two parties on top.  There is still a lot of smoke in the air in the Flathead Valley, obscuring views.  On top we had more clear views of the Livingston Range into the park and I could see Lake McDonald and all the way to the Garden Wall fairly clearly.   The hike is 7.2 miles and about 1,900 feet of elevation gain.

The Firebrand country is one of my favorite spots because it is so remote and is one of those hikes that can be done quickly if you don't have much time.  Forest fire smoke also filled this valley.